Service Updates & Upcoming Public Holidays – w/c 22nd January

Here you will find the latest UK & global service updates and a list of upcoming worldwide public holidays. This is updated throughout the week with latest information available.

UK Service Updates

A Royal Mail 48 hr strike scheduled for the 19th and 20th October was suspended due to a court ruling. We will update with regards the strike situation as and when further information becomes available.

International Service Updates

GENERAL – Due to urgent maintenance on train carriages by Euro Tunnel, scheduled departures between 14th and 26th November are being significantly reduced and have resulted in extended waiting times on both sides of the tunnel. Road dispatches to countries potentially impacted are: France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Luxembourg, Poland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden on all mail and parcel products with impact likely to be an extra day’s delay. Ongoing (issue start date: 14/11/17)

Argentina – A general strike called by the CGT union has forced airlines to cancel hundreds of domestic and international flights to and from airports throughout the country, including Buenos Aires-Jorge Newbery (AEP) and Buenos Aires-Ezeiza (EZE) airports. Ongoing (issue start date: 18/12/17)

Bangladesh – Recently, Bangladesh Customs have witnessed an increase in the number of wrongly declared shipments. This has led the Bangladesh Customs to scrutinise each and every shipment, which is causing delays in the release of all shipments including mail. Ongoing (issue start date: 03/01/17)

Belgium – Workers across several sectors in Belgium took industrial action on December 19th 2017. Airlines and train companies have warned that services may be affected. Additionally, mass demonstration taking place in Brussels are expected to reduce delivery access. Ongoing (issue start date: 19/12/17)

Bolivia – OE Frankfurt reports that postal services to Bolivia are suspended with effect from 2 August 2017. All Airlines that fly to Bolivia have currently proclaimed embargos on transport of mail due to capacity bottlenecks. All mail bound for Bolivia will be stored in the OE Frankfurt until 16 August 2017. If the situation remains unchanged, the postal items will be returned to the sender after the elapsed deadline. Ongoing (issue start date: 02/08/17)

Brazil – Due to construction work, international air traffic at Natal Airport (NAT) will be suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 11/09/17)

Brazil – Brazilian Customs strikes are still on going and through intermittent days of the week. Clearance processes can take longer than expected as availability of customs officials is impacted by the strike days. Ongoing (issue start date: 07/11/17 – updated 15/01/18)

Canada – A snowstorm hit much of southern British Columbia causing power cuts, traffic disruptions as well as flight cancellations and delays at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Ongoing (issue start date: 19/12/17)

Canada – The Canadian Postal Exchange Office in Toronto is currently experiencing delays in its processing capacity and delivery. The delays are caused by a peak in their volumes. Canada Post and the customs authority are working on a solution. They have also informed that EMS, air parcels and Express products will be prioritised over non-priority items.

UPDATE: Canada Post informs about serious delivery delays for ordinary and registered mail items due to a mail backlog. This backlog is believed to be nationwide and not just confined to Toronto anymore. Ongoing (issue start date: 07/09/17 – updated 24/11/17)

Channel Islands – Ferries bound for both Jersey and Guernsey were cancelled due to bad weather on Wednesday 22nd (pm) / Thursday 23rd (am) meaning that a backlog of trailers appeared in Portsmouth and this backlog is still being worked through. Therefore delays of 48 hours can be expected for the remainder of this week and for normal services not to return until towards midweek next week. Ongoing (issue start date: 22/11/17)

Chile – Due to an ongoing wildfire in Colina (Santiago metropolitan region), a red alert has been issued, warning of possible fire damage to population centres and critical infrastructure. Delays to mail delivery may be experienced in the affected region. Ongoing (issue start date: 21/11/17)

Chile – CorreosChile has advised that delays are expected in the processing and delivery of all inbound postal items to Chile due to the relocation of the Santiago international office of exchange between 7th and 11th December 2017. CorreosChile expects normal operation to resume on the 12th December, however, any backlog as a result may impact on delivery for rest of the week. Ongoing (issue start date: 07/12/17)

China – China Post have informed us that owing to unprecedented volumes of parcels imported into Shanghai and Guangzhou, there are currently a number of issues with China Customs, resulting in large backlogs in their facilities. These problems are compounded by the high delivery volume within China, resulting in delays in mail delivery. Ongoing (issue start date: 14/07/16)

Costa Rica – The designated operator of Costa Rica, Correos de Costa Rica, wishes to inform that it has been experiencing a technical failure with its computer servers since Wednesday, 15 November 2017. Delays may be experienced. Ongoing (issue start date: 15/11/17)

Denmark – SAS pilots represented by the Danish and Norwegian unions DPF, NSF und SNF threaten strike action. The strike will take place on September 11 at the earliest and will impact short-haul flights. Ongoing (issue start date: 11/09/17)

El Salvador – The designated postal operator of El Salvador, Correos de El Salvador, informs that both inbound and outbound mail processes are expected to be disrupted as a result of the industrial which began on Tuesday, 14 November 2017. Ongoing (issue start date: 14/11/17)

France – Expect a two day delay for some mail sent to departments 04, 05, 13, 83 and the entirety of department 2A. This is due to a La Poste technical issue on the Marseille/Ajaccio route. Ongoing (issue start date: 10/11/17)

France – Due to weather conditions in Rhone Alpes where heavy snow has been reported, deliveries will be effected. Ongoing (issue start date: 30/11/17)

French Polynesia – Office des postes et télécommunications de la Polynésie has advised that the transportation of mail by Air France from Metropolitan France to French Polynesia is experiencing significant disruptions as a result of the strike by Air France staff in French Polynesia. Service delays are expected. Ongoing (issue start date: 28/11/17)

Greece – Hellenic Posthas informed us that air traffic controllers have announced a 3 hours stoppage from work, on Monday 15/01/2018 between 12:00 and 15:00, local time. This should not have a significant effect on mail processing and delivery times although small delays may occur. Ongoing (issue start date: 14/12/17)

Greece – Hellenic Post is informing that the Confederation of the Greek workers and the Association of the Civil Servants have announced a 24-hour strike on Thursday, the 14th of December. These actions will affect mail processing and delivery. Ongoing (issue start date: 14/12/17)

Greece – Greece Post has been applying new customs procedures on both International and domestic mail collection and delivery. Due to an adjustment period, deliveries can be delayed. Ongoing(issue start date: 02/11/17)

Guatemala – Correos y Telegrafos Guatemala informs that due to staffing difficulties, it has accumulated a backlog of parcels. In order to clear this backlog, it is suspending the inward and outward transmission of international mail. The designated operators of other countries are therefore asked to hold back any mail destined for Guatemala until further notice. Ongoing (issue start date: 13/04/17)

Iceland – Iceland Post (IS) informs that on 17th December, mechanics at Icelandair started a strike for an indefinite period. The strike action will result in delays and cancellations for Icelandair flights until the strike is cancelled. Iceland Post is currently only using Icelandair for outbound transport but are looking for alternate possibilities for transporting mail. This may result in delays in transportation to and from Iceland. Ongoing (issue start date: 17/12/17)

Iceland – Iceland Post (IS) informs that A severe weather front moving over Iceland is limiting flight availability, and subsequently affecting mail in and out of the country. A delay of 48-hours is expected on all mail until weather and flight availability improves which is expected to be approx. 14th January. Ongoing (issue start date: 09/01/18)

Indonesia – The designated operator of Indonesia, PT Pos Indonesia, informs that the Government of Indonesia has temporarily closed Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on the island of Bali owing to the eruption of Mount Agung. Large volumes of volcanic ash are now covering the airport area. This situation may lead to in delays in handling inbound and outbound international mail to and from Bali, Lombok and Mataram, particularly postcode areas in the range 80000 to 83999. Ongoing (issue start date: 26/11/17)

Iraq – Due to political developments in northern Iraq the governments has issued an embargo on flights into the region. It is expected that no deliveries will be possible until the situation is resolved. Ongoing (issue start date: 02/11/17)

Ireland – Due to capacity issues at An Post, Ireland’s national post office, short term delays to mail processing /delivery for mail sent from abroad are likely. Ongoing (issue start date: 07/11/17)

Israel – Delays in mail processing/delivery of 4-5 working days are likely. This is a direct result of technical difficulties faced by Israel Post after the import operation was moved to a new facility with new machinery. There has been improvement since initial installation but is still affecting mail processing and handover at the airport. Ongoing (issue start date: 07/11/17)

Israel – Israel Post advises that inbound customs clearance activities will be interrupted between 10th and 14th January 2018 as a result of the switchover to Shaar Olami (Global Gate), Israel’s next generation customs clearance system. Although delays are to be expected in the release of postal items, Israel Post will make every effort to limit the impact as much as possible. Ongoing (issue start date: 10/01/18)

Israel – Israel’s trade union, Histadrut, has called for a general strike on 17th December. The strike affected airports and ports, banks and authorities. In Jerusalem alone, hundreds of people blocked central streets. At Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, the strike began at 8:00 am (local time) and lasted four hours. Numerous flights planned for this period were brought forward, some flights were cancelled. Ongoing (issue start date: 17/12/17)

Italy – Strike action continues – please see below for latest update

UPDATE: Italian unions have announced nation-wide strike on 27 October. Although the strike has been limited to four hours by the Italian Ministry of Transport, deliveries in the region can experience some delays. In addition, Poste Italiane has announced that there will also be strike action on Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st October. These strikes will cause delays to mail processing and delivery. Ongoing (issue start date: 20/03/17 – updated 27/10/17)

Italy – Strong winds and heavy rainfall hit Northern and Central Italy. In Rome, flooding was reported in several parts of the city; road and rail traffic was disrupted. The transport axis between the Ligurian cities of Genoa and Savona was closed due to landslides. Ongoing (issue start date: 05/11/17)

Japan – Japan is strengthening their customs inspection of inbound mail as part of counter-terrorism measures. Therefore, Japan Post has requested all items containing goods are accompanied by the required documents. Please attach a customs declaration form to postal items containing goods, and provide accurate information on the contents for customs declaration. Failure to comply with this request could lead to delays or the return of mail items sent to Japan. Ongoing (issue start date: 29/03/16)

Kazakhstan – Flooding has been reported in the following regions of Kazakhstan over the last few days: Akmola, Aktobe, East Kazakhstan, Zhambyl, Karaganda, Kostanay, North Kazakhstan. Emergency situations have been declared in Aktobe as well as in the districts of Gabit Musirepov (North Kazakhstan) and Beskaragay (East Kazakhstan). Ongoing (issue start date: 16/04/17)

Kenya – Continuous heavy rain has prompted severe flooding, infrastructure damage and traffic disruptions in the Kajiado and Mombasa counties. According to official information, ongoing flooding is expected through the end of November. Ongoing (issue start date: 13/11/17)

New Zealand – New Zealand Post (NZ) has advised that due to an Bio Security incident, the Auckland Office of exchange (NZAKLA) has been closed since 1pm Sunday 14th January and will also remain closed Monday 15th January (all day) whilst fumigation of operational areas is completed. No operational processing will take place during this time. Ongoing (issue start date: 14/01/18)

New Zealand – New Zealand Post have advised that due to aviation fuel rationing at Auckland Airport following damage to a pipeline, many flights have been cancelled. As result, mail to NZ is being held up at transit points prior to arrival at Auckland and hence delays are expected in local delivery (the likely delay is currently unclear); similar delays are likely due to the backlog once flights have resumed normal service, however this is not expected to be for at least another week.

UPDATE: New Zealand Post wishes to further advise that Auckland Airport’s aviation fuel rationing continues, however the work to fix the pipeline has been completed. Fuel is now being pumped to the airport, however at a reduced rate. The pipeline should return to 100% flow rates early in 2018. Road transportation of additional fuel to the airport continues to supplement the reduced flows through the pipeline. Airlines are now able to access 80% of their normal fuel allocations and flight cancelations have greatly reduced. Inbound volumes remain lower than expected with embargos on inbound mail transportation expected to ease in the coming weeks while airlines work to reduce mail which has potentially backlogged on route into New Zealand.Ongoing (issue start date: 18/09/17 – updated 09/10/2017)

Norway– SAS pilots represented by the Danish and Norwegian unions DPF, NSF und SNF threaten strike action. The strike will take place on September 11 at the earliest and will impact short-haul flights. Ongoing (issue start date: 11/09/17)

UPDATE: Winter weather continues to have am impact on mail delivery with road closures in parts of the South Island. As a result, courier pick ups from Fairlie, Cave and Lake Tekapo as well as delivery or pick up to Mount Cook are currently not possible.Ongoing (issue start date: 21/07/17 – updated 28/07/2017)

Pakistan – Protesters erected road blocks on major roads between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, bringing traffic to a standstill. Particularly affected were the Islamabad Express Way, Old Murrte Road and IJP Road. In the coming days, further demonstrations and traffic disruptions are to be expected. Ongoing (issue start date: 13/11/17)

Panama – Heavy rains in Panama have resulted in flooding and landslides in the central provinces of Colón, Panamá Oeste, and Veraguas as of August 1. Continued storms are forecast for the region through August 9th. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/08/17)

Philippines – Tropical Storm Kai-Tak made landfall in the eastern Samar province on December 16th and in Palawan province on December 18th, causing flooding and landslides. Power lines in 39 cities, roads and bridges have been damaged. The islands of Samar and Leyte were particularly affected; the city of Tacloban (Leyte) is almost completely submerged in water. Transport has been disrupted and flash flooding and landslides remain possible across the affected regions.Ongoing (issue start date: 16/12/17)

Philippines – There may be delays in the processing of all mail to and from Marawi City. This is due to an ongoing armed conflict in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.Ongoing (issue start date: 07/07/17)

Philippines – Due to maintenance work on a runway, Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB) reports disruptions in national and international air traffic.Ongoing (issue start date: 21/07/17)

Portugal – Two Postal Sector Worker Unions have announced a 2-day strike action to take place on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd of December. The strike action will effect International mail collection and delivery services. A minimum of 48 hours delay is expected but depending on the amount of backlog, delivery in Portugal may still be affected in the week after Christmas. Ongoing (issue start date: 21/12/17)

Saudi Arabia – It has been advised that, with immediate effect, Saudi Arabian Customs has introduced some changes for all Non-Document shipments sent to Saudi Arabia. All B2C shipments that contain materials other than documents/printed matter will require the Consignee’s ID number. Where this is not provided, the parcel may be delayed in clearing customs until the ID number is obtained from the consignee. All B2B shipments of non-document materials will require a Commercial Registration Form from the consignee. This will be requested from the consignee when arriving in the country and upon receipt of the form, the parcel can be cleared through customs. Ongoing (issue start date: 15/04/16)

Saudi Arabia – ESaudi Post wishes to inform that effective 1st January 2018, a value-added tax (VAT) of 5% will be applied to the total value of each individual item/waybill entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to be paid by the consignee. This includes, without exception, all commodities being sent to Saudi Arabia, regardless of their purpose. It is therefore essential that each shipment provide clear and precise commodity details, including the name of the product/commodity and the total value under each item/waybill (preferably in USD). Ongoing (issue start date: 01/01/18)

Senegal – The designated operator of Senegal, SN La Poste, is moving he SNDKRA office of exchange to the new Blaise Diagne de Diass International Airport (IATA code: DSS), on 7 December 2017. This could lead to service disruptions. Ongoing (issue start date: 07/12/17)

South Africa – Kindly note with immediate effect that additional customs inspections have been implemented on all shipments to South Africa. Therefore, any shipments that are subject to inspection may experience further delays. Ongoing (issue start date: 05/10/17)

South Africa – Due to unexpected high import volumes, South Africa Post Office is experiencing delays in small packets, parcels, EMS and registered mail. Delays of several weeks can be expected. We will provide further updates when the situation improves, or additional information is available. Ongoing (issue start date: 19/10/17)

Spain – In addition to the above, Airport staff at Barcelona Airport (BCN) have announced a strike from December 21st to 24th. Work stoppages will last 4 hours each day. Some 2,000 IAG International Airlines Group ground and cabin staff (including Vueling, Iberia and British Airways) are expected to participate in the strike. Ongoing (issue start date: 20/12/17)

Suriname – There have been delays in the processing and delivery of all postal items since 4th April. This is due to a labour dispute. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/04/17)

Switzerland – Swiss Post (CH) would like to inform that a landslide occurred on 23rd August 2017 and affecting Bergell/Egadin (Canton Graubünden) in the Eastern part of Switzerland is making it difficult, and in some parts even impossible, to deliver postal items in the postcode areas 7602 – 7610. Some households will stay evacuated for the next two months or even longer until the imminent danger of landslides has passed. Ongoing (issue start date: 23/08/17)

USA – Until the end of this year, extensive construction and renovation work will be conducted at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). From May 15, the main runway will be completely closed for about 40 days; also thereafter, it can only be used to a limited extent. Flight delays might be possible during this period. Resolved (issue start date: 15/05/17)

USA – The heavy snowstorms that impacted the Mid-Atlantic and North Eastern USA last week is still affecting airport and mail operations within the region. Mail processing and delivery continue to be difficult due to the weather conditions. Currently, mail is delayed by 3 to 4 days.. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/01/18 – updated 15/01/18)

Vietnam – Tropical storm Damrey made landfall in Vietnam on 4 November, causing heavy rainfall and flooding, particularly in southern and central parts of the country. Some regions were isolated. Dozens of flights were cancelled and rail traffic has been suspended. Deliveries in the region might suffer delays due to damaged infrastructure. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/11/17)

Yemen – All mail services to Yemen have now been suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 27/03/15)

Zimbabwe – The It has been reported by Zimbabwe Posts (Pvt) Ltd that, owning to renovations in postal buildings, the Post’s IT systems have not been fully operational since 12 January 2017. Resolved (issue start date: 12/01/17)